Operation Charnwood

Operation Charnwood (8-9 July 1944) was a joint British-Canadian offensive that targeted the German-occupied city of Caen in Normandy during the Battle of Caen in World War II. Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery planned to tie down German armor in the Caen sector as the US Army broke out at St. Lo, and he sought to partially capture the city of Caen. The Royal Air Force destroyed much of the city in a massive air attack, destroying much of the historic old city as well. Three Allied infantry battalions advanced behind a rolling barrage, accompanied by Allied armor on both sides. The Germans found that the ruins of the city made for great defensive positions, and they put up stiff resistance. The British nevertheless managed to break into Caen and secure the area north of the Odon River, seizing the Carpiquet Airfield in the process. The Germans were now confined to the southern bank of the Odon River, and Operation Goodwood led to Caen's capture.